Ramadan Assi is the co-founder and CEO of AJYAL, a groundbreaking innovation holding company headquartered in the MENA/GCC region, with a global footprint. At the helm of AJYAL, his visionary leadership is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem that seamlessly brings together investors, academic visionaries, research institutions, and industry luminaries. Here, startups and entrepreneurs are provided with the fertile ground they need to thrive, achieve success, and make meaningful contributions to their local communities and the global innovation landscape.
Ramadan’s distinguished career, spanning more than two decades, positions him as a formidable presence in the realms of global health, development leadership, and the strategic architecture of innovation ecosystems. He serves as the driving force behind the conception and expert stewardship of complex global health, development, and innovation initiatives, spanning five continents. His remarkable portfolio boasts programs and ventures valued at over $3 billion, each leaving an indelible and transformative mark on the lives of millions across the globe. Ramadan’s extensive networks stretch across the breadth of the US innovation ecosystem, with a special emphasis on the dynamic West Coast. In his advisory capacity, he collaborates closely with key players within innovation hubs, venture capital powerhouses, world-class academic and research institutions, as well as pioneering startups and established corporations.
While Ramadan’s work is global in its impact and outreach, he uniquely focuses on the MENA region, particularly among the GCC member states. Ramadan takes an active role in spearheading and supporting global health and development innovation initiatives and high-level strategies within government circles. His strategic advisory role and impact extend to close collaboration with prestigious international development agencies and esteemed foundations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Health Innovation Labs and Fund under Gates Ventures in Seattle, International Medical Corps with headquarters in Los Angeles, Washington DC, and London, the World Health Organization, CARE International across the USA, Canada, Australia, and the EU, Oxfam on a global scale, the World Innovation Summit for Health by Qatar Foundation, Washington Global Health Alliance in Seattle, the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation in Los Angeles, Open Water Internet, Inc. in Silicon Valley, renowned for its portable, wearable medical imaging technology and therapeutics, and many more world class entities.
Notably, Ramadan, in his strategic advisory capacity at the Pandemic Action Network, has taken the initiative to establish and lead the MENA Global Health and Climate Change Working Group. This group is dedicated to fostering collaboration and coordination among crucial stakeholders, including governmental bodies, national research institutes, regional development banks, impact funds, international foundations, key multilateral agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. The primary objectives of this collective effort are to enhance responses to outbreaks, proactively prevent future pandemics, and mitigate the impact of climate change through innovative and collaborative approaches.
Ramadan’s academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Birzeit University in Palestine. He continued his educational odyssey with distinction, achieving a Master’s in Public Health and earning a Graduate Certificate in Human Rights from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. In 2013, in honor of his exceptional contributions, he was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the World NGO Day, a testament to his outstanding career trajectory.
